Audi A4 – All-New 2016 Model Debuts Key Technologies

Audi has demonstrated some key technologies set to appear in its all-new A4 midsizer when the model arrives in Australia in March.

The German carmaker has summarised the new tech into four areas – lighting, infotainment, connectivity and assistance.

For lighting, the A4 will introduce a new Matrix LED system featuring eight ‘fingers’ of light with active high-beam.

The system recognises oncoming vehicles or the rear of cars up ahead and adjusts the beam accordingly.

But instead of a simple ‘on-off’ arrangement, only the fingers that are a hazard to other motorists will be dimmed ensuring maximum light is always available.

Gone are traditional fog lights for the new A4, replaced with new ‘all-weather’ lights.

Audi claims the new A4 has a “best in class” audio system, which features 3D sound (thanks to sound from below the floor), 1900 watts and no less than 23 speakers.

The Audi Connect system has been improved for the new model, and now features WiFi, access to Google, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The carmaker has developed its own tablet for future models, which is said to eliminate some of the problems with conventional tablets in the car (glare being one problem of note).

This is also seen as an improvement to safety, as drivers in vehicles following are less likely to be distracted by Audi tablets mounted to the back of the A4’s front seats.

Connectivity is further improved with a new wireless charging mat for compatible mobile phones and 10 GB of internal storage.

The ‘Assistance’ menu comes in for the most attention, with standard features including the likes of cross traffic alert, active cruise control and turn assist that buyers might expect in an A4.

But new to the list is a ‘pre-sense rear’ system, which watches for potential rear-end collisions and will flash the brake lights if it suspects a following driver isn’t paying attention.

If that warning fails to gain their attention, the system prepares for an impact.

Autonomous emergency braking is also on-board but the system is not restricted to braking alone, as steering input can be applied to avoid a collision.

The active cruise control has also been tweaked, and is now semi-autonomous with new sensors that watch the road 60 metres ahead of the A4 (even ‘bypassing’ cars in front), rather than just the immediate surroundings.

Cyclists and pedestrians will be pleased to learn about a new ‘exit warning’ system, which uses interior lights and more to warn front seat passengers who may be about to open doors in front of them.

“The all-new A4 is a landmark vehicle for Audi – it redefines what we believe a customer is looking for in this segment, and offers more progressive technology than any Audi before it,” Audi Australia Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, said. “In doing so, the new A4 stays true to the core principles that owners have come to expect from any Audi, like beautifully crafted interiors, distinctive styling, confident dynamics and strong engine performance and efficiency.”

The all-new Audi A4 has been awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but is yet to be assessed by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) for Australia.